LISLE - Benedictine University, a Catholic University with campuses in Lisle, Springfield and Mesa, set into action Thursday an immediate ban on alcohol for all campus housing areas. After two females complained earlier this week of alleged sexual assault in one of the residence halls, the 126-year old school set a deadline of Friday at 10:00 PM to clear residential housing of alcoholic beverages.
The alcohol ban was announced on the school's website:
Benedictine University is grounded in the values of its founders, among which is living in community and concern for the other. Out of the utmost concern and care for our student body, the University, with support of its deans, senior leadership, the Department of Athletics, the Office of Student Life and the Alumni Association Board of Directors, will enact an alcohol ban for all campus housing areas effective at noon, Thursday, September 26, 2013. Consumption of alcohol by individuals 21 years of age or older will be allowed at the Coal Ben and authorized University events.
This new policy will enforce severe penalties on violators, including those of legal drinking age. Students will have until 10:00 p.m. Friday, September 27, 2013 to bring their campus dwellings into compliance. Any students found to be in violation of the alcohol policy will be cited by the University Police, which will initiate a Code of Conduct Policy violation, ending the violator’s residency rights and requiring removal from University Housing. A student’s academic status will not be affected, only their right to remain an on-campus resident. Residents are responsible for their guests while on campus.
With this new policy, the University seeks to be proactive in safeguarding the Benedictine community and dealing with an admittedly challenging situation that many college campuses deal with – underage drinking and alcohol abuse. This action is also a direct result of a growing number of events on campus that are trending nationally as dangerously problematic.
